How can the rookies escape Minnesota?

[Bernkastel]

Neither wants to go there. How will they get out from going there?

[Clyde]

tell them not to draft them

[FireDavidKahn]

Neither wants to go there. How will they get out from going there?
Wiggins is happy here:oldlol: The players will like it here once they start winning. If Wiggins + 1st overall pick + Lavine + Shabazz don't start winning in 2-3 years then they simply aren't good enough to be franchise players.

[Clyde]

Wiggins is happy here:oldlol: The players will like it here once they start winning. If Wiggins + 1st overall pick + Lavine + Shabazz don't start winning in 2-3 years then they simply aren't good enough to be franchise players.

there's so much more cash to make playing in LA

its a business decision.

[Sportal]

Lavine
Shabazz (was once a #1 player in HS)
Wiggins (#1 overall)
Towns (#1 overall)
Pekovic

Bennett (#1 overall)
Rubio (was meant to be amazeballs)
Garnett (to teach the younglings, I wonder if he was an idol of KAT's?)

Mean. Go Wolves?

[FireDavidKahn]

there's so much more cash to make playing in LA

its a business decision.
Great, they can get there in 7 years.:oldlol:

[04mzwach]

They're rookies, they can't make way more cash. It's a life decision too. It's quieter in Minnesota and less lights.

[Clyde]

They're rookies, they can't make way more cash.

omg.

endorsements, marketing.

:facepalm

[9erempiree]

Lavine
Shabazz (was once a #1 player in HS)
Wiggins (#1 overall)
Towns (#1 overall)
Pekovic

Bennett (#1 overall)
Rubin (was meant to be amazeballs)
Garnett (to teach the younglings, I wonder if he was an idol of KAT's?)

Mean. Go Wolves?

With the exception of Wiggins and Towns, the rest are rejects.

[04mzwach]

omg.

endorsements, marketing.

:facepalm
Kevin Durant? :wtf:

[FireDavidKahn]

Lavine
Shabazz (was once a #1 player in HS)
Wiggins (#1 overall)
Towns (#1 overall)
Pekovic

Bennett (#1 overall)
Rubin (was meant to be amazeballs)
Garnett (to teach the younglings)

Mean. Go Wolves?
Bennett is horseshit. He doesn't deserve to be listed

[FireMcFailPlease]

there's so much more cash to make playing in LA

its a business decision.
thats adorable considering nobody has made a basket yet in their career.

[bigkingsfan]

Fake a death.

[Clyde]

Kevin Durant? :wtf:

great rebuttal.:facepalm

[FireDavidKahn]

With the exception of Wiggins and Towns, the rest are rejects.
:facepalm Lavine has legit potential and Shabazz was 6th in PER for SF's last year. Shabazz is close to being an amazing scorer and is already a great offensive rebounder. Shabazz has the potential to be a 6th Man of The Year.

[WeGetRing2012]

Mann Minnesota is about to be the new OKC. Okafor/Towns, Wiggins, Lavine and all the other young pieces they have will be great.

[FireDavidKahn]

great rebuttal.:facepalm
It is:oldlol:

[Sportal]

With the exception of Wiggins and Towns, the rest are rejects.

In the years to come, you'll be begging Lavine to "come back home".

Yes, Bennett is mud.

[Clyde]

thats adorable considering nobody has made a basket yet in their career.

:applause:

No one cares about Minnesota or the Twolves.

If you're going to argue that there is the same opportunity in off court revenue in Minnesota as there is in LA then just leave now.

[Clyde]

It's great the wolves fans are out in full force, congrats on the #1 overall pick.

but your franchise is trash, it has been for over a decade. Nothing personal, just a fact.

Any player would rather play for the Lakers over the wolves...its why they've been soooo bad for so long.

well that and Johnny Flynn

[Kblaze8855]

In all seriousness even Minnesota fans know that a 19 year old would rather not be there given LA as an alternative right? Go to Minneapolis.....a city that no one from outside Minneapolis has ever heard anything about...and be in the bitter cold for extended periods of time... Or go play in Hollywood and be the presumptive franchise player of arguably the most prestigious sports team in America?

What beats out being the man lakers? Quarterback for the cowboys?


Obviously that can't cover every person in the world but wouldn't you consider it a failing on the part of any GM who didn't look into the likelihood of the player accepting it long term?

Do you just play dumb and pretend that a kid would be expected to have no preference?

This isn't the NFL where you only get to play 5 or 6 years and you need to make as much money on your rookie signing bonus as possible.

NBA stars absolutely care where they play and no amount of sanctimonious "Well you should be professional" pipe dreaming changes that.

Of all the cold weather cities which one is objectively the least likely to have a rich kid want to go live in?

I imagine even Toronto would be more desirable. I'd rather go to Toronto at least. I imagine it will be an interesting place to live. I can't imagine Minneapolis being interesting and I know my 19 year old version wouldn't.

I'm guessing the bottom 3 spots for a young kid about to go start his life as a pro athlete would be Minneapolis Utah and maybe Detroit? But the Detroit issues are more economic and so on. As an outsider I would assume there is more going on there than in minneapolis.

Cleveland and Chicago are similar cold Midwest cities but Chicago is Chicago crime rate or not and Cleveland has LeBron who will keep them relevant for the foreseeable future.

Guess I forgot milwaukee and indianapolis?

I'm just thinking if you could poll 60 guys about to be drafted and get honest answers about the least desirable landing spot Minneapolis would probably come in last right? Or really really close.

There's a certain kind of star you bring to a place like that and a kind you may not you know?

A GM doing his due diligence at least has to look into it right?

It may be a great place to live that's not the issue. The issue is perception from outsiders. And as an outsider I know what my perception is.

I'll probably take a million a year to live in LA over 1.3 million to live in Minneapolis and I don't have marketability to consider.

I just don't want to go. It could always work out. Kevin Garnett is from a few miles from here and he did fine.... I'm just saying... You have to at least ask the guy right?

[FireDavidKahn]

It's great the wolves fans are out in full force, congrats on the #1 overall pick.

but your franchise is trash, it has been for over a decade. Nothing personal, just a fact.

Any player would rather play for the Lakers over the wolves...its why they've been soooo bad for so long.

well that and Johnny Flynn
Who cares where that would prefer to play? Towns
Or okafor will get huge minutes right of the bat. Of course our franchise has been trash but we have legitimate potential to build a great team now. Wiggins + towns/okafir for a guaranteed 6 years is sexy as ****. Two potential franchise players/cornerstones

[JimmyMcAdocious]

Add a big shooter and maybe another shooter off the bench and you know the Wolves gon be the most abused 2k team. Lavine/Martin/Wiggins/stretch/#1 pick

[FireDavidKahn]

In all seriousness even Minnesota fans know that a 19 year old would rather not be there given LA as an alternative right? Go to Minneapolis.....a city that no one from outside Minneapolis has ever heard anything about...and be in the bitter cold for extended periods of time... Or go play in Hollywood and be the presumptive franchise player of arguably the most prestigious sports team in America?

What beats out being the man lakers? Quarterback for the cowboys?


Obviously that can't cover every person in the world but wouldn't you consider it a failing on the part of any GM who didn't look into the likelihood of the player accepting it long term?

Do you just play dumb and pretend that a kid would be expected to have no preference?

This isn't the NFL where you only get to play 5 or 6 years and you need to make as much money on your rookie signing bonus as possible.

NBA stars absolutely care where they play and no amount of sanctimonious "Well you should be professional" pipe dreaming changes that.

Of all the cold weather cities which one is objectively the least likely to have a rich kid want to go live in?

I imagine even Toronto would be more desirable. I'd rather go to Toronto at least. I imagine it will be an interesting place to live. I can't imagine Minneapolis being interesting and I know my 19 year old version wouldn't.

I'm guessing the bottom 4 spots for a young kid about to go start his life as a pro athlete would be Minneapolis Utah and maybe Detroit? But the Detroit issues are more economic and so on. As an outsider I would assume there is more going on there than in minneapolis.

Cleveland and Chicago are similar cold Midwest cities but Chicago is Chicago crime rate or not and Cleveland has LeBron who will keep them relevant for the foreseeable future.

Guess I forgot milwaukee and indianapolis?

I'm just thinking if you could poll 60 guys about to be drafted and get honest answers about the least desirable landing spot Minneapolis would probably come in last right? Or really really close.

There's a certain kind of star you bring to a place like that and a kind you may not you know?

A GM doing his due diligence at least has to look into it right?

It may be a great place to live that's not the issue. The issue is perception from outsiders. And as an outsider I know what my perception is.

I'll probably take a million a year to live in LA over 1.3 million to live in Minneapolis and I don't have marketability to consider.

I just don't want to go. It could always work out. Kevin Garnett is from a few miles from here and he did fine.... I'm just saying... You have to at least ask the guy right? no one is debating that minny > L.A. Just saying that no rookie is going refuse to play here and will be here a minimum of 7 years

[Kblaze8855]

It's not an issue of refusal even though that does happen.... like Steve Francis in in Vancouver.

I'm saying given similar talents wouldn't a smart GM lean toward the guy it seems is most likely to settle into that environment?

Let's say this guy comes in and strikes you as a Melo type personality wise. one of these guys already talking about his brand and what he can do in the world of media and business.....

You comfortable bringing something like that to Minnesota assuming he's always going to have an eye out for a big market?

The "Who cares what they want" mentality makes sense in an ideal world but how ideal does the world feel to you?

You get the wrong kind of guy in there he might Greg Monroe it and bet on himself and not sign that qualifying offer in a few years just to get a way out. Coincidentally I think Greg Monroe is supposed to be talking to the Lakers this offseason.

You have to have a very frank discussion with a guy in this situation.

[Eric Cartman]

I think Greg Monroe is supposed to be talking to the Lakers this offseason.
Interesting you mention him.

He'll be a Knick, no place for him in L.A.

[Kblaze8855]

I suppose it comes down to how impressed the Lakers are with Julius.

There's a fairly wide gulf between being a good young player and the reason a team won't sign a good big man who wants to come play for it.

[CelticBaller]

omg.

endorsements, marketing.

:facepalm
They play for one of the only relevant things in Minnesota, they're getting money regardless

[FireDavidKahn]

It's not an issue of refusal even though that does happen.... like Steve Francis in in Vancouver.

I'm saying given similar talents wouldn't a smart GM lean toward the guy it seems is most likely to settle into that environment?

Let's say this guy comes in and strikes you as a Melo type personality wise. one of these guys already talking about his brand and what he can do in the world of media and business.....

You comfortable bringing something like that to Minnesota assuming he's always going to have an eye out for a big market?

The "Who cares what they want" mentality makes sense in an ideal world but how ideal does the world feel to you?

You get the wrong kind of guy in there he might Greg Monroe it and bet on himself and not sign that qualifying offer in a few years just to get a way out. Coincidentally I think Greg Monroe is supposed to be talking to the Lakers this offseason.

You have to have a very frank discussion with a guy in this situation.Maybe, but neither Towns nor Okafor strike me as that type at all. Either of them will happily come to Minnesota.

[Rose'sACL]

Kevin Durant? :wtf:
kevin durant would be making way more money if was playing in la, nyc or even chicago.
Even lebron would be making more money if he played in nyc or la.

[veilside23]

Its true that being a player in the big market is something and weather is another... but if am a player and i want to be successful weather conditions would be the last to stop me from thriving. I would imagine that it if lebron was able to make a name for himself in a small market why cant another superstar do that. I mean for starters KG was named the big ticket because of his contract.


after the decision was announced and they flashed the camera to the front row seats towns smiled, okafor seemed like bleh twolves... I mean okafor is good alright but its not like he is a sure shot offensively yes but defensively not there yet.

[FireDavidKahn]

kevin durant would be making way more money if was playing in la, nyc or even chicago.
Even lebron would be making more money if he played in nyc or la.
No doubt about it. Some players like to win though. If Wiggins + Towns/Okafor start winning in the playoffs you can bet your ass their gonna stay in MN. Wiggins already loves it here (and yes, he is being sincere).

[navy]

I dont the Twolves have too much to worry about because they will have multiple young talented players. Obviously the Lakers are the Lakers, but the Wolves can say that you wont be by yourself and have a great core.

If those payers were alone in Minnesota (or they felt alone) you can bet they would leave after the standard 5-7 years that are a formality.

[FireMcFailPlease]

In all seriousness even Minnesota fans know that a 19 year old would rather not be there given LA as an alternative right? Go to Minneapolis.....a city that no one from outside Minneapolis has ever heard anything about...and be in the bitter cold for extended periods of time... Or go play in Hollywood and be the presumptive franchise player of arguably the most prestigious sports team in America?

What beats out being the man lakers? Quarterback for the cowboys?


Obviously that can't cover every person in the world but wouldn't you consider it a failing on the part of any GM who didn't look into the likelihood of the player accepting it long term?

Do you just play dumb and pretend that a kid would be expected to have no preference?

This isn't the NFL where you only get to play 5 or 6 years and you need to make as much money on your rookie signing bonus as possible.

NBA stars absolutely care where they play and no amount of sanctimonious "Well you should be professional" pipe dreaming changes that.

Of all the cold weather cities which one is objectively the least likely to have a rich kid want to go live in?

I imagine even Toronto would be more desirable. I'd rather go to Toronto at least. I imagine it will be an interesting place to live. I can't imagine Minneapolis being interesting and I know my 19 year old version wouldn't.

I'm guessing the bottom 3 spots for a young kid about to go start his life as a pro athlete would be Minneapolis Utah and maybe Detroit? But the Detroit issues are more economic and so on. As an outsider I would assume there is more going on there than in minneapolis.

Cleveland and Chicago are similar cold Midwest cities but Chicago is Chicago crime rate or not and Cleveland has LeBron who will keep them relevant for the foreseeable future.

Guess I forgot milwaukee and indianapolis?

I'm just thinking if you could poll 60 guys about to be drafted and get honest answers about the least desirable landing spot Minneapolis would probably come in last right? Or really really close.

There's a certain kind of star you bring to a place like that and a kind you may not you know?

A GM doing his due diligence at least has to look into it right?

It may be a great place to live that's not the issue. The issue is perception from outsiders. And as an outsider I know what my perception is.

I'll probably take a million a year to live in LA over 1.3 million to live in Minneapolis and I don't have marketability to consider.

I just don't want to go. It could always work out. Kevin Garnett is from a few miles from here and he did fine.... I'm just saying... You have to at least ask the guy right?
You could at least try visiting Minneapolis, before you try so hard by trashing it because you've never been.

But keep reaching, its funny. BTW you should research what 1 mill gets you in LA compared to what 1.3 gets you in Minneapolis. enjoy your 4 bedroom, 2 bath suburban house with all of that traffic that goes along with it.

[veilside23]

If i am correct twolves have a great fan base KG used to fill up that arena, i know its not like warriors or sac cwebb days but having talented players from the start should only make the player feel good, in the first place who would want to lose.. yes sure, you live in a great city and get a lot of endorsement but you always lose.

[Kblaze8855]

Nothing about that was trashing Minneapolis it was just telling obvious truths.

People live damn near everywhere and if they or their ancestors didn't find it ok they wouldn't be there. that doesn't mean the average person wouldn't prefer to live in LA or Miami than a lot of these places. Especially as a newly rich 19 year old.

And really with the issue being perception in the eyes of people who presumably have never been my opinion as an outsider is more relevant than yours. Of course you think Minneapolis is more than an outsider might.

On here acting like somebody has to try hard to explain why a rich teenager would rather live in Hollywood than Minneapolis....

Its not trying hard and is not reaching it's common sense. The idea of living somewhere frigid that you have never heard anything about it simply less appealing than living somewhere with legendary good weather full of superstars and supermodels 5 minutes from the beach.

No way in Hell competent management doesn't consider that factor.

Which was my whole point

You know and I know that if you got honest answers out of all of these kids Minneapolis would not be anywhere near the top of a list of where they want to be.

Why pretend otherwise? Are we trying to be polite or are we trying to be honest and consider things that have to be a factor in the real world ? Think there is a chance in hell the Utah front office doesn't take time to consider if players it acquires would be amenable to living in Utah long term?

It's just good business.

[I<3NBA]

Be a bitch like Kobe.

[FireDavidKahn]

Nothing about that was trashing Minneapolis it was just telling obvious truths.

People live damn near everywhere and if they or their ancestors didn't find it ok they wouldn't be there. that doesn't mean the average person wouldn't prefer to live in LA or Miami than a lot of these places. Especially as a newly rich 19 year old.

And really with the issue being perception in the eyes of people who presumably have never been my opinion as an outsider is more relevant than yours. Of course you think Minneapolis is more than an outsider might.

On here acting like somebody has to try hard to explain why a rich teenager would rather live in Hollywood than Minneapolis....

Its not trying hard and is not reaching it's common sense. The idea of living somewhere frigid that you have never heard anything about it simply less appealing than living somewhere with legendary good weather full of superstars and supermodels 5 minutes from the beach.

No way in Hell competent management doesn't consider that factor.

Which was my whole point

You know and I know that if you got honest answers out of all of these kids Minneapolis would not be anywhere near the top of a list of where they want to be.

Why pretend otherwise? Are we trying to be polite or are we trying to be honest and consider things that have to be a factor in the real world ? Think there is a chance in hell the Utah front office doesn't take time to consider if players it acquires would be amenable to living in Utah long term?

It's just good business.
Maybe before hand, but take Andrew Wiggins for example. He grew up in Toronto and never thought he would be coming to MN. Now after a full year in Minny he genuinely loves it here. Minny will never be a destination place but you and I both know that if a winner gets built in Minny, they wont have trouble keeping their studs.

Garnett is also proof that living in Minny can still get you incredible endorsements. Endorsements follow star players and it doesn't matter where those stars are at.

[Chad44]

Retire from Basketball.

[lilteapot]

As long as Flip Saunders is the Coach/GM, these rookies better look to get the hell out of there, otherwise they'd be stuck in limbo.

[HOoopCityJones]

Minne is a classy organization and they have a bright future, either of these guys would do well to consider the great core they're building there.

[Eric Cartman]

Minne is a classy organization and they have a bright future, either of these guys would do well to consider the great core they're building there.
With KG as a mentor :applause:

[Rooster]

Maybe before hand, but take Andrew Wiggins for example. He grew up in Toronto and never thought he would be coming to MN. Now after a full year in Minny he genuinely loves it here. Minny will never be a destination place but you and I both know that if a winner gets built in Minny, they wont have trouble keeping their studs.

Garnett is also proof that living in Minny can still get you incredible endorsements. Endorsements follow star players and it doesn't matter where those stars are at.

Wiggins will be out of there as soon as he get that chance. Wolves better get better in within or through trade because no one wants to go there and be frozen.

[Raymone]

It's a life decision too. It's quieter in Minnesota and less lights.

Sounds like the perfect place for young black athletes. Maybe a place to retire and play golf all day if it weren't so cold.

[El Gato Negro]

5 straight years of losing will change a players toon quick, ask love. The wolves were trash on offense and defense last year, almost unwatchable bad. Wolves won't be in the playoffs anytime in the near future, West to stacked. Way to many teams a head of them talent and coaching wise. The wolves should be moved no hope for that trash franchise.

[veilside23]

As long as Flip Saunders is the Coach/GM, these rookies better look to get the hell out of there, otherwise they'd be stuck in limbo.


hmm stop right there... it was not saunders fault .. you probably dont know who david kahn is... Saunders isnt that bad at using them rookies... You just have to prove your worth. shabazz and lavine were good examples.. payne as well ...

[wally_world]

Anyone think Okafor/Towns or both of em might intentionally tank their workouts? :lol Whoever Minny doesnt pick ends up in LA!

[9erempiree]

I never agree with Kblaze because I think he is really retarded and this is probably one of my darkest days for agreeing with him.

Why would a teenager, newly found riches, would choose a town like Minnesota compared to L.A. Cost of living? He likes the cold?

Anyways, don't rule out the possibility of these two centers using their 'pull' to get where they want. I mean this is the first time that the Lakers have the #2 pick and we will witness first-hand how influential L.A. is to a player.

Stay tuned.

[Fire Colangelo]

They're rookies that haven't played a single minute, what leverage do they have? This isn't a superstar kind of deal where he's signed for 120mil/5 years and can threaten to not give a shit while eating up your salary cap.

These guys are rookies on rookie deals, the hell are they going to do? Not play? Not going to practices? :lol :lol They'd get benched in a instant and be labeled as a headaches and never see the floor again in their lives.

Are they really going to bet their whole career and millions of dollars just because they can't stand the cold in Minnesota? I don't think so. If you're good, you're going to be good anywhere. KG, LeBron, KD made fine money in Minnesota, Cleveland, and OKC of all places. Why? Because they're good. You don't have to go to LA or New York to get endorsement deals (sure it helps), but it's not essential.

[alec613]

Let's not forget this either xD
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BrGR1OwCcAAn7xw.jpg

[Bigsmoke]

The Midwest >>>>>>

[Cocaine80s]

Luckily Okafor is from Chicago so either Minnesota or LA would be an upgrade for him

[Bigsmoke]

Luckily Okafor is from Chicago so either Minnesota or LA would be an upgrade for him

LA is fake and he gotta deal with Kobe hogging all the shots and Minneapolis doesn't have no where as much to offer as the Chi.

[Marchesk]

I'd rather live in Minny than LA. LA does not appeal to me at all. Now SF would be a different story. I don't understand the appeal of living in a smog filled desert with horrible traffic, bad public transportation, and fake people.

[Kblaze8855]

Wiggins is exactly the kind of guy you might lean towards to go there. He's an international from a cold weather city.

Those things absolutely make a difference. Young Hakeeem pretty much decided to live in Houston the minute he stepped off the airplane in New York to visit Georgetown.

It was cold and windy and he just couldn't do it.

You think if you drafted the team and he came up there one of the days it was 50 degrees below zero he would be ok with it?

Deep into his career in might not matter. You are older and more mature.

A young guy generally doesn't want to deal with such a thing. If you have to be cold you would at least prefer to be in one of the great cities of the world like New York or maybe even Toronto.

Minneapolis has no real selling points. Which doesn't mean it's a bad place to exist. several places I have lived fall into the same category.

But I'm talking perception in advance for a teenage millionaire you would expect to be fairly immature.

I'm not saying don't draft who you want. I'm saying do your homework on the kind of kid you are getting and the likelihood of him giving the place a fair shake.

Some cities need to do that in some cities don't. I assure you Pat Riley does not have to ask a teenaged millionaire if they could see themselves living long term in Miami no matter how far from Miami the kid came up

Is just something to consider. There is no upside to ignoring the potential issue

[veilside23]

Let's not forget this either xD
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BrGR1OwCcAAn7xw.jpg


well he explained that reason why he did that because he was expecting that he would get drafted within top 10.

Well i don't understand why you would really demand such things when there are players that really stand out and make huge money and not only that maintain an even greater fan base because you have basically the whole city/state behind you.

am not trying to argue that minny is the best place, the point of not wanting to play for a team because of this and that shouldn't matter since you are still playing in nba. am sure as youngster you idolized this team and that but being a player you would want a team that wants you rather than a team that you want it may not actually work the way you want it to be.. Just like the case of Andrew Wiggins he just wanted to go to a team that wants him and we all know what happened there.

and watch this clip from you tube when Glen Taylor was interviewed, you can see Okafor agreeing to the possiblity of being "that guy" that Taylor mentioned as for towns he smiled after knowing the wolves got the pick.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNRxN25rylM

Ownership is a factor and overall organization is as well but i the wolves have changed and with the arrival of KG there and he already claimed that he wants to be part of ownership. I seriously believe that KG would do everything for that team to win.

[ImKobe]

You know Towns/Okafor feeling like Steve Francis right now

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJLizwdr5QQ

[veilside23]

Wiggins is exactly the kind of guy you might lean towards to go there. He's an international from a cold weather city.

Those things absolutely make a difference. Young Hakeeem pretty much decided to live in Houston the minute he stepped off the airplane in New York to visit Georgetown.

It was cold and windy and he just couldn't do it.

You think if you drafted the team and he came up there one of the days it was 50 degrees below zero he would be ok with it?

Deep into his career in might not matter. You are older and more mature.

A young guy generally doesn't want to deal with such a thing. If you have to be cold you would at least prefer to be in one of the great cities of the world like New York or maybe even Toronto.

Minneapolis has no real selling points. Which doesn't mean it's a bad place to exist. several places I have lived fall into the same category.

But I'm talking perception in advance for a teenage millionaire you would expect to be fairly immature.

I'm not saying don't draft who you want. I'm saying do your homework on the kind of kid you are getting and the likelihood of him giving the place a fair shake.

Some cities need to do that in some cities don't. I assure you Pat Riley does not have to ask a teenaged millionaire if they could see themselves living long term in Miami no matter how far from Miami the kid came up

Is just something to consider. There is no upside to ignoring the potential issue

on the bold part i highlighted.
just watched the interview with Flip Saunders after the draft. He mentioned that they are doing background check and all. I am pretty sure that they are doing the best they can to ensure that the kid they will be choosing who would want to play and live there.

kblaze just out of curiosity have you actually lived at Minneapolis already?

[Kblaze8855]

Of course not which is the whole point. What people from outside the area perceive the place to be.

Nobody is saying is a terrible place and the people who live there a miserable.

I'm saying that when asked where you want to go make your living Minneapolis isn't on anybody's list given 29 other options where you will make the exact same money.

It seems flip is looking into the issue which is all I'm saying anyone needs to do.

It would be irresponsible as the caretaker of a team not to do so.

[Fallen Angel]

Anyone think Okafor/Towns or both of em might intentionally tank their workouts? :lol Whoever Minny doesnt pick ends up in LA!
Kevin Garnett is gonna make sure they don't

[veilside23]

Of course not which is the whole point. What people from outside the area perceive the place to be.

Nobody is saying is a terrible place and the people who live there a miserable.

I'm saying that when asked where you want to go make your living Minneapolis isn't on anybody's list given 29 other options where you will make the exact same money.

It seems flip is looking into the issue which is all I'm saying anyone needs to do.

It would be irresponsible as the caretaker of a team not to do so.


well the power of the internet and advertising brought me that question ...

in case you are wondering here is what i've watched :D
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9Z9Y-kq-Rg


tcf bank largest concert stadium
healthiest metro area in the US
america's healthiest city 2014

So i don't know why you wont want to live there.

[ZenMaster]

They're rookies that haven't played a single minute, what leverage do they have? This isn't a superstar kind of deal where he's signed for 120mil/5 years and can threaten to not give a shit while eating up your salary cap.

These guys are rookies on rookie deals, the hell are they going to do? Not play? Not going to practices? :lol :lol They'd get benched in a instant and be labeled as a headaches and never see the floor again in their lives.

Are they really going to bet their whole career and millions of dollars just because they can't stand the cold in Minnesota? I don't think so. If you're good, you're going to be good anywhere. KG, LeBron, KD made fine money in Minnesota, Cleveland, and OKC of all places. Why? Because they're good. You don't have to go to LA or New York to get endorsement deals (sure it helps), but it's not essential.

They have lots of leverage as the level they are projected at playing is very valuable compared to the size of their initial contracts.

You're right they are not not going to go to practices and stuff like that. What they might would do though is tell the team in draft interviews that they don't see themselves staying in Minnesota for a long time. A player not happy with his living situation would always be in big risk of transferring that to his level of effort through 82 game season. So they are not betting their whole career on this.

Playing in Minny vs LA is not about getting endorsement deals or not, it's about getting better endorsment deals vs worse ones. If you think there isn't more focus on a young great player in LA vs Minny then you are wrong, and if you think there isn't better local endorsement deals to be had as a great young player in LA vs Minny then you are also way wrong.

I've lived in Minnesota myself and will always look back at my time there with great fondness, but to think a 19 year just turned millionaire wouldn't rather live in LA and play for one of the most well known and popular sports franchises in the entire world is just ridiculous.

[Dresta]

well the power of the internet and advertising brought me that question ...

in case you are wondering here is what i've watched :D
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9Z9Y-kq-Rg


tcf bank largest concert stadium
healthiest metro area in the US
america's healthiest city 2014

So i don't know why you wont want to live there.
The God-awful climate perhaps?

[Kblaze8855]

Read the list of things you just told me and consider for a moment how many new money teenagers give a shit about them.

You look the list of NBA cities and decide where most people want to live Minnesota just isn't high on the list.

Doesn't mean it s terrible. It doesn't mean anything significant about the city itself.. I've heard Vancouver is awesome. But Steve Francis isn't the only one who didn't want to go.

You can't take these things personal. You can make an honest evaluation of the situation or you can lie to yourself. Which one seems most likely to result in running a great franchise?

I'm happy as hell in South Carolina. But I'd be delusional to pretend is near the top of the list of where anyone who isn't from here wants to live given dozens of options.

[Marchesk]

Even as a young person, LA was never remotely appealing to me. I'd rather live in NY or Chicago. If it's the West Coast, Portland and Seattle are far more appealing places. In fact, very few people I've ever known have expressed a desire to live in LA.

[Taller than CP3]

One of them should hire Vivian Stiviano to suck the owner's dick and record their conversations.

[GOBB]

Minne is a classy organization and they have a bright future, either of these guys would do well to consider the great core they're building there.

They've been building a core for almost a decade :oldlol:

Finally they won the lottery. Can't f*ck this up. Gone are the days where you draft 3 PGs in one draft.

[FireDavidKahn]

Anyone think Okafor/Towns or both of em might intentionally tank their workouts? :lol Whoever Minny doesnt pick ends up in LA!
Entire season of footage >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> one workout:facepalm

The workout isn't going to influence a thing.

[FireDavidKahn]

I never agree with Kblaze because I think he is really retarded and this is probably one of my darkest days for agreeing with him.

Why would a teenager, newly found riches, would choose a town like Minnesota compared to L.A. Cost of living? He likes the cold?

Anyways, don't rule out the possibility of these two centers using their 'pull' to get where they want. I mean this is the first time that the Lakers have the #2 pick and we will witness first-hand how influential L.A. is to a player.

Stay tuned.
They don't get to choose....Unless they want to sit out an entire year which includes any professional league in the world.:facepalm

You people who actually believe that Towns or Okafor will have a say in who the Wolves draft are delusional.

[UK2K]

tell them not to draft them

I feel like if you flat out tell a team you wont be happy there, they probably wouldnt draft you?

Or they'd trade the pick down?

[kshutts1]

I feel like if you flat out tell a team you wont be happy there, they probably wouldnt draft you?

Or they'd trade the pick down?
Sets a bad precedent. Doesn't mean it won't, or couldn't, happen... but as an organization, I'd do my due diligence as KBlaze is suggesting, and if I still choose a player that won't be happy, I'd just know to trade him before he became a FA.

[FireDavidKahn]

The God-awful climate perhaps?
Funny people keep bringing this up because the winters aren't really any different than on the east.:facepalm

[FireDavidKahn]

Sets a bad precedent. Doesn't mean it won't, or couldn't, happen... but as an organization, I'd do my due diligence as KBlaze is suggesting, and if I still choose a player that won't be happy, I'd just know to trade him before he became a FA.
What everyone is saying about the perception of Minny is true. But people in this thread are way overstating how much a rookie would do to not go to a team.

1) you would have to sit out an entire year and can't play professional ball anywhere.

2) They'd still have to be here a minimum of 5 years if drafted.


What's even more lost in all this drama is that Towns or Okafor aren't like that.

[UK2K]

Funny people keep bringing this up because the winters aren't really any different than on the east.:facepalm

I lived the last two years in Houston.

Now I live in Indianapolis.

There is a big fvcking difference in winter. Living this far north is miserable.

[UK2K]

What everyone is saying about the perception of Minny is true. But people in this thread are way overstating how much a rookie would do to not go to a team.

1) you would have to sit out an entire year and can't play professional ball anywhere.

2) They'd still have to be here a minimum of 5 years if drafted.


What's even more lost in all this drama is that Towns or Okafor aren't like that.

The NBA can ban a player from playing overseas?

[kshutts1]

The NBA can ban a player from playing overseas?
NBA rules.. if you refuse to show for the team that drafts you, you have to sit out.. I think 2 years... and then become a FA. If, at any time, you play professionally, your rights are still maintained.

[FireDavidKahn]

I lived the last two years in Houston.

Now I live in Indianapolis.

There is a big fvcking difference in winter. Living this far north is miserable.
Houston is not on the east coast:facepalm

[Kblaze8855]

They don't get to choose....Unless they want to sit out an entire year which includes any professional league in the world.:facepalm

You people who actually believe that Towns or Okafor will have a say in who the Wolves draft are delusional.


Tell me you don't actually believe players don't talk themselves out of undesirable locations. Tell me you know more about NBA history than that.

It wasn't even rare back when the money wasn't as good which motivated people to shut up and take what they could get.

Glimpse at a couple of books centered on NBA Draft stories. Lot of interesting stories and first hand accounts of players who weasel their way out of not going to places.

The book tip off on the 84 draft is a pretty good one to start with if you actually care about the subject matter.

[kshutts1]

What everyone is saying about the perception of Minny is true. But people in this thread are way overstating how much a rookie would do to not go to a team.

1) you would have to sit out an entire year and can't play professional ball anywhere.

2) They'd still have to be here a minimum of 5 years if drafted.


What's even more lost in all this drama is that Towns or Okafor aren't like that.
I'm 99% sure that's no one's argument. At least not a rational person's argument. The argument is that a team should do its research prior to selecting a player so that they don't choose someone that is "most likely" going to be unhappy, and thus leave at the first opportunity.

And my counter to that was... do your research, keep the knowledge, trade said player early if both 1) you still choose them and 2) their opinion doesn't change.

[FireDavidKahn]

The NBA can ban a player from playing overseas?
It's an agreement with FIBA. If you have a contract from any other professional league in the world the team who drafts you still retains his rights. Yes, technically, rookies could just go play in the Euroleague, China, Philippines, but no rookie is that stupid.

[Marchesk]

I lived the last two years in Houston.

Now I live in Indianapolis.

There is a big fvcking difference in winter. Living this far north is miserable.

I would think the summer in Houston would be more miserable than the winter in Indy, but maybe that's because I'm used to having four seasons everywhere I've lived.

[FireDavidKahn]

Tell me you don't actually believe players don't talk themselves out of undesirable locations. Tell me you know more about NBA history than that.

It wasn't even rare back when the money wasn't as good which motivated people to shut up and take what they could get.

Glimpse at a couple of books centered on NBA Draft stories. Lot of interesting stories and first hand accounts of players who weasel their way out of not going to places.

The book tip off on the 84 draft is a pretty good one to start with if you actually care about the subject matter.
Times change. New rules and guidelines pretty much make it nearly impossible for a rookie to dictate where he goes. He could easily say he is unhappy or whatever else, but any team with a #1 overall pick is going to draft whoever is the best talent, period.

[R.I.P.]

kevin durant would be making way more money if was playing in la, nyc or even chicago.
Even lebron would be making more money if he played in nyc or la.

Really? How much does Melo make? Under Armour offer him $250M? Melo do a Hollywood movie with James Belushi? Oh right Melo does documentaries about himself, about how he almost left a shitty Knicks organisation and then forces the Knicks to air that on their own network. :lol

In the day and age of social media you could play in ****ing Alaska and still make money.

[Bigsmoke]

Funny people keep bringing this up because the winters aren't really any different than on the east.:facepalm

U mean like Montreal and Maine right?

[FireDavidKahn]

U mean like Montreal and Maine right?
New York, Boston, Buffalo, etc.

[UK2K]

I would think the summer in Houston would be more miserable than the winter in Indy, but maybe that's because I'm used to having four seasons everywhere I've lived.
Coming from Kentucky...

I'd take 105 in the summer over -5 in the winter.

[UK2K]

It's an agreement with FIBA. If you have a contract from any other professional league in the world the team who drafts you still retains his rights. Yes, technically, rookies could just go play in the Euroleague, China, Philippines, but no rookie is that stupid.
Could you just not put your name in the draft and be a FA after a year of college (or one year removed from high school)?

I mean, could Towns just say 'I'm not available' and then sign as a FA? We go and grab Euro players in free agency all the time? Can we not do that with an American? Towns would make way more off a FA contract than a rookie contract.

[FireMcFailPlease]

Could you just not put your name in the draft and be a FA after a year of college (or one year removed from high school)?

I mean, could Towns just say 'I'm not available' and then sign as a FA? We go and grab Euro players in free agency all the time? Can we not do that with an American? Towns would make way more off a FA contract than a rookie contract.
Yea Im sure its just that easy.

[FireMcFailPlease]

Coming from Kentucky...

I'd take 105 in the summer over -5 in the winter.
I would too.

Im also not travelling on the road half of the winter like an NBA schedule brings.

and just an FYI...every team travels to cold cities. Portland/utah/denver/minneapolis/milwaukee/chicago/indianpolis/philly/boston/toronto/washington/nyc/brooklyn cleveland.



they're far too damn busy to worry about the stupid weather outside. so they get to enjoy the windows down on the car ride to the arena.:roll:

Minnesota summers>anything in the south.

[BlakFrankWhite]

of the 12 months..

-they spend 4 months travelling
-4 months in the city they're drafted to
-4 months in their home city(offseason)

[FireDavidKahn]

Could you just not put your name in the draft and be a FA after a year of college (or one year removed from high school)?

I mean, could Towns just say 'I'm not available' and then sign as a FA? We go and grab Euro players in free agency all the time? Can we not do that with an American? Towns would make way more off a FA contract than a rookie contract.
The deadline to rescind a declaration to be drafted is in early-mid April. He wouldn't know which team would get the top pick by then.

[UK2K]

I would too.

Im also not travelling on the road half of the winter like an NBA schedule brings.

and just an FYI...every team travels to cold cities. Portland/utah/denver/minneapolis/milwaukee/chicago/indianpolis/philly/boston/toronto/washington/nyc/brooklyn cleveland.



they're far too damn busy to worry about the stupid weather outside. so they get to enjoy the windows down on the car ride to the arena.:roll:

Minnesota summers>anything in the south.
Right...

But in November when the TWolves or the Bucks or the Bulls step off the plane in LA or Miami or Houston or Sacramento or New Orleans or Orlando...

I bet they notice.

[FireDavidKahn]

Could you just not put your name in the draft and be a FA after a year of college (or one year removed from high school)?

I mean, could Towns just say 'I'm not available' and then sign as a FA? We go and grab Euro players in free agency all the time? Can we not do that with an American? Towns would make way more off a FA contract than a rookie contract.
Euro players become automatically eligible to be drafted after they are 23 if I am not mistaken.

[FireMcFailPlease]

Right...

But in November when the TWolves or the Bucks or the Bulls step off the plane in LA or Miami or Houston or Sacramento or New Orleans or Orlando...

I bet they notice.
we all do.

dont you think the south would be overpopulated if weather was so important to everyone? this stupid s*it gets brought up every draft year...why live in the cold when you could lobby yourself to a warmer city?

because then you sound like a b*tch and are instantly disliked by your future teammates when you get drafted by cold team.

Don't bite the hand that feeds you.

[Bigsmoke]

New York, Boston, Buffalo, etc.

Chicago is colder than those city.


http://www.currentresults.com/Weather-Extremes/US/coldest-cities-winter.php
Minneapolis is Alaska cold in the winter time in comparison

[Lebron23]

I rather play with a small market team if I am an NBA rookie. Less expectation, and Boring night life.

[Bigsmoke]

we all do.

dont you think the south would be overpopulated if weather was so important to everyone? this stupid s*it gets brought up every draft year...why live in the cold when you could lobby yourself to a warmer city?

because then you sound like a b*tch and are instantly disliked by your future teammates when you get drafted by cold team.

Don't bite the hand that feeds you.

I'm too lazy to move and Chicago is kinda cool.

[sixerfan82]

there's so much more cash to make playing in LA

its a business decision.

This makes no sense whatsoever.

[Kblaze8855]

For anyone thinking players don't care about the issues being raised here(by which I mean...idiots) here is an article on another undesirable market where a player speaking on condition of anonymity flatly admits that in some cold weather and small market stops they couldn't even get some guys to come workout for the team:





Then you have Rony Seikaly famously failing to report (http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1998-02-19/news/9802190364_1_seikaly-orlando-magic-jazz) to Utah after terms were reached on a 1998 Jazz-Magic trade, or Derek Harper telling reporters sarcastically, “You go live in Utah.” (http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/nba/jazz/2001-03-02-cool.htm)
Granted, those harsher examples were pre-Olympics, and Salt Lake City has improved a lot since then, in terms of infrastructure, amenities and, importantly, perception. But there still appears to be a belief that a stigma endures among NBA players about going to Utah.
Salt City Hoops was able to speak exclusively with a longtime NBA veteran about just how real that stigma is. Now retired, this is a guy who was around the NBA long enough to have heard several players’ unfiltered takes on city preferences. He never played for the Jazz, but played in small and big markets, cold and warm climates, and for good and bad teams. I guaranteed this person anonymity so I could allow him to speak freely on the topic.
Right off the bat, when I asked about this stigma, he said, without stopping to think about it, “It’s real.” We spent some time talking about why, and here are some themes, both from that conversation and from other discussions on the topic.







The former player I spoke to said he saw that while playing for a good team that happened to be in one of those 15 non-prime markets. “There were times we couldn’t get guys to come work out for us,” he said, somewhat incredulously.


Weather



“It’s not just small cities. Some guys don’t like the cold.”
That was the next cold, hard reality the retired vet shared. Salt Lake’s average high falls to 38 Fahrenheit in January. That is indeed colder than LA’s 64, Houston’s 63 and certainly Miami’s 74.1 (http://saltcityhoops.com/salt-city-stigma-an-nba-veteran-tells-all/#note-1)
But do people complain about New York hitting 36? Or Chicago’s bitter 31? I get why people would rather commute to their practice facility by helicoptering in from Malibu beach than by throwing chains on their tires to traverse the fresh powder, but there does appear to be a double standard where certain cold cities are concerned.
My other rebuttal on weather: NBA players don’t spend that much time in those cities. October through April, plus playoffs but minus road trips and All-star break. I did a quick scan of Utah’s schedule and would estimate that the average Jazz player spent something like 110 nights in Salt Lake City between October 1 and April 17, and only about 50 of those nights were in December, January and February, the three coldest months in an average Salt Lake year.
Are those 50 days of layering up really so bad that somebody would think twice about signing in Utah? Apparently it has come up.



This shit is real. Its real for every small freezing cold city these kids never thought about before the idea of being drafted to play there hits them.

Im not making any of this up. Really...ill go scan pages of some of the books I have that have direct player quotes on the issue. Guys in public will always speak nicely about the city they play for. Or even cities they may end up on.

How they actually feel....that isn't in an interview.

You think there is a chance in hell id tell Minnesota I don't wanna go? Or that id tell a reporter asking me...that I don't look forward to playing there?

You say the right thing in public...and maybe let your agent know to tell the team the truth.

Kobes agent supposedly told the Nets he would rather go play in Europe than play there. So Coach Cal(Who LOVED Kobe) takes Kerry Kittles.

That happens all the time.

The player says the right thing to the media....the agent lets team know the true feelings.

Nobody is saying that _____ wont go to Minnesota. I and others are saying.....do your homework. Is that really so offensive?

[Clyde]

For anyone thinking players don't care about the issues being raised here(by which I mean...idiots) here is an article on another undesirable market where a player speaking on condition of anonymity flatly admits that in some cold weather and small market stops they couldn't even get some guys to come workout for the team:









Weather




This shit is real. Its real for every small freezing cold city these kids never thought about before the idea of being drafted to play there hits them.

Im not making any of this up. Really...ill go scan pages of some of the books I have that have direct player quotes on the issue. Guys in public will always speak nicely about the city they play for. Or even cities they may end up on.

How they actually feel....that isn't in an interview.

You think there is a chance in hell id tell Minnesota I don't wanna go? Or that id tell a reporter asking me...that I don't look forward to playing there?

You say the right thing in public...and maybe let your agent know to tell the team the truth.

Kobes agent supposedly told the Nets he would rather go play in Europe than play there. So Coach Cal(Who LOVED Kobe) takes Kerry Kittles.

That happens all the time.

The player says the right thing to the media....the agent lets team know the true feelings.

Nobody is saying that _____ wont go to Minnesota. I and others are saying.....do your homework. Is that really so offensive?

A+, see you get it.

How other people here don't understand these thing is beyond me.

It's like we're constantly dealing with children on this forum.

[FireMcFailPlease]

what? we(at least I) said id take warmer over cold. it is what it is.


still doesn't change the fact that during the NBA season, are players really getting time to enjoy the warm? especially in long drawn out road trips?

Id think it pretty much evens out besides the days off during a streak of home games if you lived in LA. Id rather have the more money for being #1. Besides like I said...you get a lot more bang for your buck in Minny than you do in LA

[kshutts1]

Could you just not put your name in the draft and be a FA after a year of college (or one year removed from high school)?

I mean, could Towns just say 'I'm not available' and then sign as a FA? We go and grab Euro players in free agency all the time? Can we not do that with an American? Towns would make way more off a FA contract than a rookie contract.
Players have to declare for the draft to be an eligible FA.

I'm not sure on the finer points, so MAYBE they can declare then withdraw, or there is some other loophole. But I'm 99.99% sure you have to both declare and follow through with said declaration.

[HurricaneKid]

omg.

endorsements, marketing.

:facepalm

What endorsements do any current Lakers (outside of Kobe) have?

Meanwhile, 3 of the 5 best players in the league play in OKC and Cle and do just fine with endorsements.

[HurricaneKid]

For anyone thinking players don't care about the issues being raised here(by which I mean...idiots) here is an article on another undesirable market where a player speaking on condition of anonymity flatly admits that in some cold weather and small market stops they couldn't even get some guys to come workout for the team:









Weather




This shit is real. Its real for every small freezing cold city these kids never thought about before the idea of being drafted to play there hits them.

Im not making any of this up. Really...ill go scan pages of some of the books I have that have direct player quotes on the issue. Guys in public will always speak nicely about the city they play for. Or even cities they may end up on.

How they actually feel....that isn't in an interview.

You think there is a chance in hell id tell Minnesota I don't wanna go? Or that id tell a reporter asking me...that I don't look forward to playing there?

You say the right thing in public...and maybe let your agent know to tell the team the truth.

Kobes agent supposedly told the Nets he would rather go play in Europe than play there. So Coach Cal(Who LOVED Kobe) takes Kerry Kittles.

That happens all the time.

The player says the right thing to the media....the agent lets team know the true feelings.

Nobody is saying that _____ wont go to Minnesota. I and others are saying.....do your homework. Is that really so offensive?


This is ridiculous. SLC is DULL. NOTHING to do except to go get an early bird dinner with the Mormons. The Twin Cities is a major metropolis with 3.5M people. Its where Best Buy, Target, Honeywell, etc are headquartered. It has a VIBRANT nightlife and a GREAT music scene. There are a number of colleges and Universities there. They have an NFL team, a MLB team, and an NHL team in addition to the TWolves.

They also have a significantly better core than the Lakers and anyone interested in winning would be wise to go there instead of LAL.

The owner does kind of suck. And Flip is a poor coach and a poor GM.

EVERYONE wants to be the first pick.

This is a dumb thread by people who think the old ways are still in effect.

[Clyde]

What endorsements do any current Lakers (outside of Kobe) have?

Meanwhile, 3 of the 5 best players in the league play in OKC and Cle and do just fine with endorsements.

HA!

My point is your opportunities to make bank off the court without being an MVP caliber player is greater in LA.

You guys and using extremes as examples :roll:

[Clyde]

This is ridiculous. SLC is DULL. NOTHING to do except to go get an early bird dinner with the Mormons. The Twin Cities is a major metropolis with 3.5M people. Its where Best Buy, Target, Honeywell, etc are headquartered. It has a VIBRANT nightlife and a GREAT music scene. There are a number of colleges and Universities there. They have an NFL team, a MLB team, and an NHL team in addition to the TWolves.

They also have a significantly better core than the Lakers and anyone interested in winning would be wise to go there instead of LAL.

The owner does kind of suck. And Flip is a poor coach and a poor GM.

EVERYONE wants to be the first pick.

This is a dumb thread by people who think the old ways are still in effect.

Not true.

Even Jalen Rose (a former player) said this could be a situation were you'd rather go #2 to LA.

[HurricaneKid]

HA!

My point is your opportunities to make bank off the court without being an MVP caliber player is greater in LA.

You guys and using extremes as examples :roll:

And which Laker is making bank off the court?

Your hypothetical requires that the Lakers be relevant and they won't be that for at least a few years.

[HurricaneKid]

Not true.

Even Jalen Rose (a former player) said this could be a situation were you'd rather go #2 to LA.

Jalen says a lot of dumb things. And the Lakers were far more relevant in his playing days than they are now.

[FireMcFailPlease]

man I would love to have the opportunity to win next to something called Clarkson, about to retire Kobe, Randle and Jordan Hill...the opportunities will be endless!


at least I'll have a nice weather tho

[Marchesk]

Minneapolis isn't some small town in the middle of the Dakotas, sheesh.

[Marchesk]

man I would love to have the opportunity to win next to something called Clarkson, about to retire Kobe, Randle and Jordan Hill...the opportunities will be endless!

Win at what point? I like Minnesota's potential better right now. But neither team are winning jack in the loaded west for a few seasons. Kobe will be long gone by then.

[Rooster]

man I would love to have the opportunity to win next to something called Clarkson, about to retire Kobe, Randle and Jordan Hill...the opportunities will be endless!


at least I'll have a nice weather tho

Free agents:confusedshrug:

I think that part does not exist in Minnesota tho:rolleyes:

[Kblaze8855]

They aren't old ways they are the ways of human nature more specifically the ways of teenagers who are now millionaires. Flip Saunders was on ESPN Radio like half an hour ago and he was asked by Colin Cowherd about the Minnesota vs LA thing.

He made it clear that is a factor in something they have looked into. He was talking about one of them being from New Jersey and how he's used to the cold and all

The people responsible for drafting these kids have an absolute responsibility to consider such factors and clearly they do. Overly sensitive fans can start getting offended and act like the idea of preferring Los Angeles over Minneapolis is some ridiculous concept from the past....

But everything you hear from players GM's coaches and all that suggests that they are aware of the issue and consider it like all the other factors.

You don't just assume somebody is fine coming to that environment. You ask a few questions which is all I'm saying you have to do.

[Marchesk]

They aren't old ways they are the ways of human nature more specifically the ways of teenagers who are now millionaires. Flip Saunders was on ESPN Radio like half an hour ago and he was asked by Colin Cowherd about the Minnesota vs LA thing.

Cowherd was also somehow segwayed into terrorist attacks when talking about his love for sports dynasties. I have no idea why, but he did.

[ralph_i_el]

omg.

endorsements, marketing.

:facepalm

How much more marketing money are they going to make in LA on a rookie deal?

Less than they'll be paying in California income tax lol

Not everyone wants to go live in SoCal. Especially when you're going to be loaded anywhere you go.

[FireMcFailPlease]

Win at what point? I like Minnesota's potential better right now. But neither team are winning jack in the loaded west for a few seasons. Kobe will be long gone by then.
That was sarcastic

[Marchesk]

Less than they'll be paying in California income tax lol

I wonder if they'll be banning bottled water in LA like they did in San Fran. Heard it rained the other day, so maybe not.

[UK2K]

we all do.

dont you think the south would be overpopulated if weather was so important to everyone? this stupid s*it gets brought up every draft year...why live in the cold when you could lobby yourself to a warmer city?

because then you sound like a b*tch and are instantly disliked by your future teammates when you get drafted by cold team.

Don't bite the hand that feeds you.

Some peoole don't want to move away from home.

When I moved from Kentucky to San Diego, it was night and day. Then I moved to Houston, warm all year around. Then I moved back to Indianapolis... Miserable for 6 months out of the year

That's why I won't be living here long. Charleston is the next stop... Mainly because the weather.

[Rooster]

How much more marketing money are they going to make in LA on a rookie deal?

Less than they'll be paying in California income tax lol

You can compare Kobe and KG at their peak and how much and how many endorsements they have gotten.

[Marchesk]

You can compare Kobe and KG at their peak and how much and how many endorsements they have gotten.

Kobe was billed as the closest thing to MJ. That kind of helps. And winning three rings with Shaq & Phil on board.

[Rooster]

Kobe was billed as the closest thing to MJ. That kind of helps. And winning three rings with Shaq & Phil on board.

Lamar Odom made a bunch of commercials when he was playing for the Lakers and no question that he became more popular when he was a Laker.

[Marchesk]

Lamar Odom made a bunch of commercials when he was playing for the Lakers and no question that he became more popular when he was a Laker.

But would he have if the Lakers were what they are now? Wasn't Odom benefiting from the championship caliber team he was on?

[Clyde]

http://espn.go.com/nba/draft2015/story/_/id/12918952/jahlil-okafor-says-being-no-1-pick-nba-draft-more-fans

Yup

[Legends66NBA7]

http://espn.go.com/nba/draft2015/story/_/id/12918952/jahlil-okafor-says-being-no-1-pick-nba-draft-more-fans

Yup


Former Lakers star Magic Johnson*also was optimistic*about whomever the team will get with the No. 2 pick, tweeting that "with the #2 pick we can get a great big man, add some good free agents this summer & we will be right back as a contender next season!"

Guess the unrealistic expectations just doesn't come from Laker fans. It comes from their ex players too.

[FireDavidKahn]

For anyone thinking players don't care about the issues being raised here(by which I mean...idiots) here is an article on another undesirable market where a player speaking on condition of anonymity flatly admits that in some cold weather and small market stops they couldn't even get some guys to come workout for the team:









Weather




This shit is real. Its real for every small freezing cold city these kids never thought about before the idea of being drafted to play there hits them.

Im not making any of this up. Really...ill go scan pages of some of the books I have that have direct player quotes on the issue. Guys in public will always speak nicely about the city they play for. Or even cities they may end up on.

How they actually feel....that isn't in an interview.

You think there is a chance in hell id tell Minnesota I don't wanna go? Or that id tell a reporter asking me...that I don't look forward to playing there?

You say the right thing in public...and maybe let your agent know to tell the team the truth.

Kobes agent supposedly told the Nets he would rather go play in Europe than play there. So Coach Cal(Who LOVED Kobe) takes Kerry Kittles.

That happens all the time.

The player says the right thing to the media....the agent lets team know the true feelings.

Nobody is saying that _____ wont go to Minnesota. I and others are saying.....do your homework. Is that really so offensive?We're arguing different things now.

All I'm arguing is that in today's NBA, draftee's have virtually no say. The most they can do is refuse to sign for an entire year and...that's it. No rookie would actually do that.

[gts]

We're arguing different things now.

All I'm arguing is that in today's NBA, draftee's have virtually no say. The most they can do is refuse to sign for an entire year and...that's it. No rookie would actually do that.

So put yourself in your GM's shoes... you're set to take Towns, no if ands or butts but his agent lets it be known through back channels that if you take him he won't be happy and there's a chance he heads to europe for a year

do you take a chance, say screw him he can't tell us what to do and blow that number one pick

[FireDavidKahn]

http://espn.go.com/nba/draft2015/story/_/id/12918952/jahlil-okafor-says-being-no-1-pick-nba-draft-more-fans

Yup
http://espn.go.com/nba/draft2015/story/_/id/12918952/jahlil-okafor-says-being-no-1-pick-nba-draft-more-fans
Literally in the first sentence...

Center Jahlil Okafor doesn't seem to mind where he goes in the NBA draft as long as it's to a team that he feels is the right fit.:oldlol:

That fits Minnesota to a tee. Would rather have Towns, but for the sake of the argument...

[FireDavidKahn]

So put yourself in your GM's shoes... you're set to take Towns, no if ands or butts but his agent lets it be known through back channels that if you take him he won't be happy and there's a chance he heads to europe for a year

do you take a chance, say screw him he can't tell us what to do and blow that number one pick
If he heads to Europe for a year we still retain his rights, so....ok.:oldlol:

[Legends66NBA7]

So put yourself in your GM's shoes... you're set to take Towns, no if ands or butts but his agent lets it be known through back channels that if you take him he won't be happy and there's a chance he heads to europe for a year

do you take a chance, say screw him he can't tell us what to do and blow that number one pick

Didn't something similar happen with Ricky Rubio ?

[gts]

Didn't something similar happen with Ricky Rubio ?he was already under contract to a euro team when he was drafted... minnesota didn't want to pay the buyout if i remember correctly.. so he stayed in europe for a couple more years

[Lebron23]

Wolves have a solid young core. Wiggins, Muhammad and Lavine. These Rookies needs to think about winning. And once they paid their dues. They can do whatever they want.